In the past few weeks there have been two recent home break-ins so the community wanted to remind owners about how they can prevent such incidents. Our community website and monthly newsletters have numerous articles on security. If you are not receiving the newsletters please contact Curtis Management at 760-643-2200.
The following is a link to our website where articles on crime prevention and security can be found under Community News:
Maintaining a secure community is a shared responsibility. Homeowners need to take responsibility for securing their homes and personal property. The HOA can assist with helping to deter crime and to protect the common areas. There is a committee that was formed several months ago to explore ideas on how to improve crime deterrence.
Below is a link to an article that describes crime prevention and the working group of owners that is focused on overall improving security outside of individual homes:
Here is a short summary on tips for homeowners to do their part in securing their homes.
1. Consider home security! Our houses are worth too much money to not spring for home security! We just upgraded and changed to ADT but there are lots of choices. Here’s a link to the best home security systems for 2021 from US News and World Reports: https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/home-security Chose one that is right for you. You can also call Laree Ewing at ADT 619-517-2068 (this is who we worked with).
2. When you do get your home security system or upgrade the one you have, please consider the glass shatter option and apply to back doors/lower windows. This is a common entry point.
3. Motion lights! Consider installing motion lights around your house and especially in dark areas like the back. Burglars don’t want to be seen or heard so light it up like the 4th of JULY! This is a very low-cost addition and here’s a link to some options: https://www.safewise.com/…/motion-sensor-lights-buyers…/
4. Cameras! Consider adding cameras. Once I’m done no one will be on or around my property that a camera won’t’ pick up. They look for the cameras.
5. Put your home security sign in your yard, on your windows etc.
When you are not home or out of town:
1. Do not post on social media that you are out of town! Wait to post your amazing vacation experience until you return.
2. Leave a car in the driveway.
3. Have someone grab deliveries from your front porch.
4. Have someone take the trash in/out for you so your cans aren’t left on the street.
5. Leave a light on the inside in front of your house. You can get a timer, so it automatically comes on for you each night. This is good even when you are home actually.
6. Get to know your neighbors! As many as possible and communicate, look at each other’s houses, let them know if something looks amiss.
7. Create a text chain with your whole street on it (or as many as possible) so you can quickly text everyone when you see or hear something that’s not right.
8. Maintain landscaping and take a look at your yard with a different eye. Look around and see if there are things you could change so someone can’t hide behind, inside or around.
9. Have a house sitter to watch your home and/or your pets.
10. Take advantage of a free service offered by the Sheriff’s Department where they will physically check on your home while you are on vacation or travelling. Here is a link to that resource:
Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other! SO important!